Mission

The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization consisting of a 14-member board of directors representing Basin parishes and regulatory agencies.

The Lake Pontchartrain Basin is a 10,000 square mile watershed encompassing 16 Louisiana parishes. The land use of the region is both rural and urban and is the most densely populated region in Louisiana, including metro New Orleans and the state capital, Baton Rouge. It is one of the largest estuarine systems in the Gulf of Mexico containing over 22 essential habitats. The Basin's topography ranges from rolling woodlands in the north to coastal marshes in the south, with the 630 square mile Lake Pontchartrain as its centerpiece.

As the leading organization at the forefront of science-based action, our 3-year strategic plan outlines how we will work to mitigate the serious environmental challenges facing our region. It is the culmination of a 6-month consultative process with our staff, Board, and our partners. In this process, we developed results-focused strategies, we agreed upon a core set of values, and we created new vision and mission statements.

LPBF’s comparative strengths are its depth of scientific knowledge and understanding of the pertinent challenges affecting the basin region, as well as its proven-track record in finding practical solutions. A revamped public outreach and communication strategy will ensure that LBPF’s impactful programming and its formidable history of success are well-recognized, and serve as inspiration to support the organization and take action. Strengthened organizational and financial support systems will enable us to execute effectively to realize our mission.

The plan is ambitious and focused on credible results, given the urgent need to protect our waterways and to sustain our coast. It demonstrates how collaboration, with a wide range of partners in the region, is central to achieving real results. The water quality work focuses on the lake, as well as the numerous rivers and bodies of water in the basin. The priorities for coastal sustainability are centered on building community resilience against hurricanes and floods, while also ensuring that livelihoods and ecological systems are protected. Our education program will expand, reaching a more diverse set of teachers and students. And we will improve the museum at the lighthouse, which encourages people to appreciate the lake, to take ownership of the environment, and to learn our story through our history and our success.

We cannot protect our region alone. That is why we are deeply committed to partnering with government officials, businesses, and other environmental organizations. That is why we are compelled to leverage a more diverse set of collaborators and grow our base of support. And, that is why our priority is to drive stewardship, so that everyone understands why their role is crucial in protecting our waterways, our coast, and our nation.

LPBF's Strategic Plan was developed by a sub-committee of the Board of Directors and LPBF staff under the guidance of outside consultants. We are grateful for the valuable input received from our key partners through multiple consultations as we initiated the planning process.

The implementation of this Strategic Plan focuses on building environmental stewardship through our scientific research, education initiatives, and advocacy. The plan also includes ambitious fundraising targets while building efficiencies in the organizational structure and operations to ensure the continued success and impact of LPBF in our region. The Board is essential to this success and the long-term continuity of our work, particularly at this urgent moment in our history. The sub-committee has worked hard over the past six months to create a robust plan to guide us as we continue to preserve and enhance the basin region for generations to come. Our Board, staff and supporters worked together to save our lake; now we must work together to maintain the basin’s vibrancy while saving our coast, and ultimately our nation.

Sincerely,

Kristi Trail
Executive Director, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation

LPBF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. For additional information, or to file a complaint or grievance, please contact us at grievance@saveourlake.org

About Us

LPBF's Vision is an environmentally sustainable, prosperous, and resilient region. Our mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education, and advocacy.

The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation is a non-profit organization consisting of a 13-member board of directors representing Basin parishes and regulatory agencies. LPBF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.